Is Chicago or Columbia Heights Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Columbia Heights is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 28/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,506 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 38% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Columbia Heights has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 113.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbia Heights — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Columbia Heights, MN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Columbia Heights | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 2,506.3 | +1,505.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 321.3 | +218.5 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 0.0 | +17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 68.6 | -9.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 72.8 | +262.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 179.9 | -51.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,185.0 | +1,287.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 171.4 | +123.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 1,568.1 | +750.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 445.6 | +413.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Columbia Heights safer?
Columbia Heights is safer with a total crime rate of 2,506 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 38% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Columbia Heights has 321.3. Columbia Heights has lower violent crime.
About Chicago, IL
Chicago, Illinois, a major Midwest hub and birthplace of the skyscraper, sits on Lake Michigan's shores. Its diverse population of over 2.7 million people contributes to its vibrant arts and culture scene. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 2,638,698, Chicago has a total crime rate of 4,012.2 per 100,000 residents.
About Columbia Heights, MN
Columbia Heights, Minnesota, once known for its streetcar lines, is a first-ring suburb north of Minneapolis. This city, primarily residential, has a diverse population with a significant portion of residents identifying as Hispanic or Latino. With a safety score of 28/100 and a population coverage of 23,341, Columbia Heights has a total crime rate of 2,506.3 per 100,000 residents.